Let the Summer Begin

Well I officially missed the first day of Summer 2012 by one day *that's what you get for procrastinating...

You better get your dance on... Summer's HERE!

And your Drink....

Rock on...

Hey Everyone, WHATS UP? I wanted to write and say thank you to all of you who have visited my blog so far...we are off to a good start and it's only been one week! I think it is safe to say that summer has officially started. It is really hot and humid out here on the East Coast! Normally I would be waiting in line to board the next plane to Detroit, but this summer seems a little different. I think I am stuck in DC for the time being. I thought the best way to send you into the weekend was to share a few of my very favorite photos from Summer 2011. And once again, thanks for all of you following this blog journey! God bless you! I wish you all the best food, friends, family and fun that Summer 2012 has to offer you! CHEERS!

 

Relax and enjoy the fireworks! 

Try something new..like Hypnotic and
 Korbel for a yummy blue treat.  

Or try "Dirt" pudding  made with Vodka.. the best way to get granny buzzed :) 

Don't forget your veggies! My Aunt Shelly made this delicious egg and veggie casserole to feed the herds! ;)


And Last but not least...

Get your butt to the beach  and stay until sunset! 

Finding that thing called "LOVE"

Engagement Session, Fall 2010- Washington, DC.

We like to think we are getting closer and closer to love, to finding that one person that was made just for us. And sometimes, it does happen when we least expect it. An old boyfriend comes back in the picture, a Jamaican runs by and sweeps us off our feet.

When I think about my life and how all the little pieces come together, I am so grateful that I went out with my friends to DC one Saturday night. I hadn't been feeling like "going out" but a good friend of mine, Sana convinced me to go. That night is where I met the person I want to be with for the rest of my life! When I think about that night, the simple decision of whether to go or not to go could have changed my entire path ! Where did you meet your love? Did you meet in school, through friends, at a bar or even online?

A bride dancing for joy!

A secret "I love you" on this adorable couples New Year's Eve Wedding

They say a true friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you just the same. Isn't that is so true when it comes to Love?! When I first began dating my love, Walid, he took me to a big event in a hotel ballroom, it was the first time I met his sister and most of his friends. As I stood there nervously holding my plate filled with deserts I had gathered for everyone, I juggled my coat and my wine ...then all of the sudden... SPLAT went the deserts and some of my wine! Not only did I spill the deserts but it appeared I had taken more than my share! He laughed at me and didn't think another thing of it as I stood there utterly embarrassed. But that's just it- when you are with someone who loves you small things don't important anymore. You just need someone to take your hand and run with you....

The best part about my job is I see love happening all around me and I am invited into these moments that are so very special to these couples.And I get to help them remember it, any way I want to frame it!  I hope that if you have found love that you hold onto it tight and tell them you love them tonight. If you don't, have faith that the time will come and you too will find love and ride off into the sunset!   

Father's Day 2012

My dad is such a great man. I know I inherited my patience from him along with my small upper lip :) I really love day's like Father's Day and Mother's Day because it really makes you stop and think about the people who created you and helped shape you into the person you are today. It's great to know you have the love and support of someone who cares so much about you. A few months ago, my dad sent me a letter (not an email- he doesn't really know how to email ) but an actual letter in the mail! Since I live in  Maryland and he is in Michigan I don't get to see him often or talk to him on a daily basis. The letter was so thoughtful, it was just what I needed. Parents just know sometimes- he let me know that he believes in me and knows that things will work out. I had just made a drastic life decision and he confirmed that I had done the right thing!

I love going to Michigan to visit my family, especially to see my parents as grandparents now. We have stepped into a new chapter of our lives. I am looking forward to the days where I take my own kids to Pappi and Koco's house!I know that their influence and presence is invaluable. Until then- I will have to somehow teach my dad how to send an e-mail! If you can figure out how to read this blog Dad- I love you and happy Father's Day! 

Character is largely caught, and the father and the home should be the great sources of character infection.  ~Frank H. Cheley

Too Cute with Twinsies Tutus

Inspired by two of the cutest little girls in the world...And I swear, just because their mommy is my best friend- I am not biased they really are too two cute!

See I told you they are TOO CUTE! 

A couple of weeks ago I called up my best friend Brooke, the creator and owner of Twinsies Tutus to place an order for a custom tutu. My boyfriend's sister was going to visit their family in Algeria and we thought a tutu would be a super fun present for their one year old cousin Sara! She is sure to shine in these adorable colors and fun bows!

Every part of the Tutu is hand tied and hand made with lots of care.

 With a customized colorful "S" onesie and a beautiful rainbow tutu, I am sure Algeria has never seen anything like this before.

Sara is sure to be a real princess :) 

She even sent us a matching handmade headband! 

If you love what you see check out Twinsies Tutus on Facebook   or go straight to browsing ideas for what to order with Etsy!

Twinsies Tutu owner/creator Brooke and I with her two sweet inspirations.

Thanks for reading everyone! Have a great weekend! 

The Beggining of Blogging for NMC Photography

Kelly and Paul get hitched in NYC Courthouse
on a rainy Friday in June 2011.

Hello world! This is my very first blog post as Natalie Michelle Photography. My favorite subject to photograph is well...people! The reason is because I never know what to expect when photographing people, whether I am shooting a wedding- where there is A LOT of emotion happening all around me or I am capturing a special day at a bar mitzvah and the little boy breaks out doing dance moves. I love photography because it lets you into other's lives in such a special way. For example, I was the only witness to this NYC courthouse wedding! You can be the one to capture an incredible memory for someone that they will always look back on. :) Enough typing for now I want to let some pictures do the talking- as you know they are worth about one thousand words! Enjoy!

Riding the subway to the courthouse.

So much in love <3

And..they lived happily ever after!